Observational Search for PeV-EeV Tau Neutrino from GRB081203A

TL;DR

This paper presents the first observational search for tau neutrinos from a gamma-ray burst using Cherenkov tau shower imaging, setting upper limits on neutrino fluence in the PeV-EeV range and advancing multi-particle astronomy.

Contribution

It introduces a novel earth-skimming tau-neutrino detection technique applied to GRBs, providing new upper limits and demonstrating the potential for multi-particle astronomical observations.

Findings

Set upper limits on tau-neutrino fluence in PeV-EeV range.

Applied Cherenkov tau shower imaging with Ashra light collectors.

First observational search for tau neutrinos from a GRB.

Abstract

We report the first observational search for tau neutrinos from gamma ray bursts (GRBs) using one of the Ashra light collectors. The earth-skimming tau-neutrino technique of imaging Cherenkov tau showers was applied as a detection method. We set stringent upper limits on the tau-neutrino fluence in PeV-EeV region for 3780 s (between 2.83 and 1.78 hours before) and another 3780 s (between 21.2 and 22.2 hours after) surrounding GRB081203A triggered by the Swift satellite. This first search for PeV-EeV tau neutrino complements other experiments in energy range and methodology, and suggests the prologue of "multi-particle astronomy" with a precise determination of time and location.